CHARGERS NOTES: Dombrowski plays well in first start at right tackle

SAN DIEGO ---- Brandyn Dombrowski was thrown into a tough spot.
The offensive lineman played guard at San Diego State, was moved to
tackle with the Chargers, and then was asked to play guard again
this season when Louis Vasquez went down in the season opener.

Now that Jeromey Clary is out for the season with an ankle
injury, Dombrowski was asked to play tackle in a game once again.
He made his first start at right tackle on Sunday and fared well
despite getting picked on in a 43-14 win over the Kansas City
Chiefs.

The Chiefs threw their best rusher and some confusing blitzes at
him, but Dombrowski staved off the pressure and held strong in
adverse circumstances.

"Brandon is a young player and we're asking a lot of him to go
over and play right tackle," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "They
put their best rusher on him a number of times, but I thought he
played really well. There are some things he needs to get better at
just like everyone else, but he's getting coached hard by a bunch
of guys. He's getting help from his teammates. He's got a chance of
being a great player over there for us."

Dombrowski has practiced at right tackle for two weeks while
Clary has dealt with injuries, and he spent extra time after
practice preparing for the adjustment.

"The goal is to stay calm and try to get the job done,"
Dombrowski said. "I think I did that, but there are definitely
things I need to work on and get better at."

His stay in the starting lineup might be short-lived. The team
brought veteran Jon Runyan in to take Clary's spot. While Runyan
was inactive Sunday, he should be active next week. That will
likely move Dombrowski back into his role as super sub.

"I'll play anywhere," Dombrowski said. "I don't care where. The
only important thing is getting on the field."

Milestone alert

LaDainian Tomlinson continued his assault on the NFL's career
rushing list, surpassing Edgerrin James and San Diego native Marcus
Allen to move into the top 10.

Tomlinson finished with 39 yards on 13 carries, which gives him
12,257 career rushing yards and sole possession of the 10th spot on
the all-time list.

Next up are Marshall Faulk (12,279) at No. 9 and Jim Brown
(12,312) at No. 8.

Tight end Antonio Gates also ascended in the record books with a
pair of touchdown receptions. He has 55 career touchdowns, which
moves him past Wesley Walls into fourth place for most career
touchdowns by a tight end. Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez holds
the record with 81 TD receptions.

Injury update

Shawne Merriman stood on the sideline midway through the first
half with his helmet off and his hands behind his back. It was a
pose seen a few times before, normally when the Chargers outside
linebacker is done for the day due to injury.